Two women's passion for soccer overcomes strict Sharia law practiced in Iran as they disguise as men in order to watch Iran-South Korean soccer match

Dudi Cohen |Published: 18.10.12 , 21:20

The strict Islamic law practiced in Iran
could not keep two women, whose love for soccer was so great, from the Iran-South Korea World Cup qualifier.

Under Iranian Sharia law,
women are not permitted to attend soccer games or watch them. However, two young women decided to overcome the strict religious law and dress up as men in order to enter the stadium and watch the match.

Social media networks released pictures of the two women wearing men's clothing, including a black wool hat. The two were seen among other enthusiastic fans waving an Iranian flag.

The issue of gender segregation is the most hotly debated topic on Iranian social media networks. In one blog, the two women were described as being "brave."

The two women at the soccer match

Soccer is a popular sport in Iran, but women are forbidden from watching men play the sport. However, women are permitted to play themselves in closed spaces, far from a male audience.

In his first term in office, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
attempted to alter the law and allow women to watch soccer games in stadiums together with men, but failed due to conservative elements in government.